MAHESH MOHANAN
Location: Dubai, UAE Contact: +971 50 9974080 Email: maheshom46@gmail.com
Profession: Group IT Manager | Global Infrastructure & Cybersecurity Leader | Cloud & Digital Transformation Specialist

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
With over a decade of extensive experience in IT, I have demonstrated exceptional expertise in driving IT infrastructure development and
management within the hospitality industry. Known for my problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking, I excel in designing and
implementing strong IT solutions that align with strategic business objectives.
As the Group IT Manager at CÉ LA VI, I oversee global IT operations across six high-profile international locations — Dubai (HQ), Singapore,
Tokyo, Taipei, London, and Miami. My role encompasses end-to-end IT leadership, from designing and deploying enterprise-grade IT
infrastructure to implement standardized application ecosystems such as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle Micros Simphony Enterprise, SUPY,
HRMS, VMware, and Citrix.
I have successfully led global rollouts of critical systems, established IT governance frameworks, and driven digital transformation initiatives
that enhanced operational efficiency and ensured compliance with PCI, GDPR, and cybersecurity protocols. My leadership includes managing
CAPEX/OPEX budgets, vendor negotiations, and high-level stakeholder collaboration with CFOs, CEOs, and other executive leaders to align IT
strategy with business objectives.
Furthermore, I have developed and enforced comprehensive IT policies, SOPs, and disaster recovery frameworks, ensuring business continuity
and resilience. My ability to build secure, scalable, and future-ready IT environments is strengthened by cloud expertise in AWS and Azure.
With a solid educational background in Computer Science and Engineering, complemented by professional certifications from AWS, ITIL, Cisco,
and Microsoft, I am well-equipped to lead global IT initiatives. My vision is to continue advancing as a Global Head of IT/IT Director, leveraging
my international experience to deliver innovation, operational excellence, and long-term technological success.

KEY SKILLS
Core Skills: Operational Excellence, Cyber Security Management, IT Infrastructure Development, Expertise in Cloud with AWS and Azure, Project
Lifecycle Management, Budget and Financial Management, Conflict Resolution, Customer Service, Data Management, Hospitality Systems, Hotel
Operations, Inventory Management, IT Operations Management, Advanced Data Centre and Infrastructure Oversight, Critical Applications and
Services Administration, Innovative Software and Systems Enhancement, Strategic Planning, Policy Development and Compliance, Regulatory
Standards, Staff Development and Training, IT Project Management, Team Leadership, Risk Management, Network Security Administration,
Strategic IT Leadership, Technical Expertise, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making Skills.

Key IT Skills and Strengths:
? Comprehensive IT Infrastructure Management: Demonstrated expertise in setting up, configuring, and maintaining a wide range of IT
systems, including local area networks (LAN), servers (DELL, IBM, HP), and hotel management applications such as Opera, Micros, and
Sun System. Proficient in using virtualization (VMware) and backup solutions (EMC, Veeam, Commvault) to ensure data integrity and
system resilience.
? Advanced Security and Firewall Administration: Proficient in managing enterprise-level firewall solutions (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco)
and email security systems (Mimecast) to protect network integrity. Experienced in installing and managing anti-virus solutions
(McAfee, Sentinel One, ESET) to safeguard systems against malware and other threats.
? Network and Communication Systems Expertise: Skilled in administering and maintaining network infrastructure components such
as DHCP, DNS, and WAN connections. Proficient in managing IP telephone systems (Cisco, AVAYA) and troubleshooting access points
(Aruba, Ezilink) to ensure reliable connectivity and communication.
? Technical Proficiency in Specialized Systems: Advanced skills in maintaining IP TV systems (Reach, Samsung Link), keyguard systems
(Onity, Vanguard), and internet sectors (Nomadic, At vision, Entiretec). Adept at setting up user policies, group policies, and remote
desktop management to streamline IT administration.
? Data Redundancy and System Uptime: Expert in setting up various server RAID levels to ensure data redundancy and maintain optimal
system uptime. I am experienced in basic database server administration and maintaining system documentation for hardware and
software configurations.
? Strategic Planning and Execution: Led the planning, budgeting, and implementation of cutting-edge IT solutions, aligning IT initiatives
with business objectives to drive operational efficiency and enhance performance.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
JUL 2025 - PRES CELAVI: DUBAI, UAE
Position GROUP IT Manager
• Manage the planning, budgeting, and implementation of cutting-edge IT solutions across CÉ LA VI, ensuring alignment with strategic
business objectives and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• Direct Data Center operations and IT infrastructure, leveraging best practices to maintain optimal performance and uptime.
• Oversee the deployment and management of enterprise applications and services including Office 365, SAP S/4HANA, VMware, Citrix,
Citrix NetScaler, Citrix VDI, Veeam Backup, Mimecast Email Security, Sentinel One Endpoint Security, FortiGate Firewalls, Antlabs Guest
Internet Gateway, and Aruba Wireless.
• Implement robust cybersecurity frameworks and conduct regular audits to safeguard network and data integrity, proactively
identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.
• Lead system enhancement initiatives, driving continuous improvement and ensuring technological competitiveness.
• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive IT policies, SOPs, and compliance frameworks, ensuring adherence to industry
standards and regulations (PCI, GDPR).
• Deliver targeted training programs and workshops, fostering knowledge-sharing and a culture of continuous learning across global
teams.
• Conduct detailed system and compliance audits, ensuring operational excellence, accountability, and adherence to best practices.
• Produce and present regular IT performance and project reports to senior leadership, providing strategic insights and
recommendations for decision-making.
• Plan, execute, and oversee major IT projects, including system migrations, upgrades, and global rollouts, ensuring timely and successful
delivery.
• Strategically manage IT budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing return on investment (CAPEX & OPEX).
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans, ensuring resilience and minimizing downtime.
Key Projects:
? AWS Infrastructure Deployment: Designed and implemented AWS infrastructure to enhance scalability, reliability, and performance
across multiple regions.
? SAP B1 to SAP S/4 HANA Migration: Successfully led the strategic migration, transforming data processing and analytics capabilities.
? New Venue IT Setup: Directed the end-to-end IT setup for new outlets, including the DIFC branch, ensuring seamless operational
readiness.
? Cybersecurity Enhancement: Executed Mimecast Email Security and Sentinel One Endpoint Security rollouts, significantly
strengthening
defenses against sophisticated threats.
? Veeam Backups: Established immutable backups across all entities, ensuring compliance, data security, and recovery
readiness.
? HSIA Implementation: Delivered robust High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) solutions, improving guest and staff experience.

NOV 2021 - JUN 2025 AL SAFADI HOSPITALITY GROUP: DUBAI, UAE
Position IT Manager
• Maintained and ensured seamless delivery of critical systems including Opera, Micros, Sun Systems, SKY Bayan, Sky Jana, and FCS,
enforcing stringent change management, disaster management, and project delivery protocols.
• Monitored and maintained a wide range of applications, services, and infrastructure such as VMware Servers, Opera PMS, OCIS CRM,
• Oracle Database, Oracle Data Guard, SUN Systems, JANA Material Management, SAP BI, SAP BO, SAP DI, Sybase IQ Data Warehouse,
• Property Management System, HSIA Solution, OXI Interface, KIOSK Middleware, Domain, EMC Backup Solutions, Network
• Devices, Monitoring Solutions, and Splunk Log Monitoring.
• Served as the primary contact for all computer, printer, and peripheral service, ensuring prompt and effective resolution of issues.
• Maintained a sufficient inventory of all office and computer supplies, ensuring uninterrupted operational capability.
• Maintained detailed documentation of all hardware configurations, software logs, and inventory.
• Documented the configuration of the telephone system and managed all MPT lines.
• Understood and performed tasks related to all departmental working procedures, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
• Carried out maintenance of all PCs, printers, telephones, interactive systems, and key locks, ensuring optimal functionality.
• Maintained and managed all user access requests and authorizations for IP telephony, email, Opera, Micros, and other systems.
• Responded to all user requests, providing adequate support and ensuring high levels of user satisfaction.
• Developed and tested disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in the event of IT disruptions.
Key Projects:
? Successfully migrated the email system from Exchange 2013 to Office 365, enhancing email reliability and accessibility.
? Integrated Mimecast with Office 365, bolstering email security and archiving capabilities.
? Upgraded VMware infrastructure from version 6 to version 7, improving virtual environment performance and stability.
? Implemented McAfee Endpoint Protection, enhancing the cybersecurity posture of the organization.
? Upgraded the Wi-Fi and High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) systems, significantly improving connectivity and user experience.
? Installed and configured a new CCTV system, enhancing security and surveillance capabilities.
? Completed a comprehensive solution review for a financial consolidation project, streamlining financial operations and reporting.

JUN 2019 - OCT 2021 THE COVE ROTANA RESORT: RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE
Position IT Officer
• Administered and maintained all LAN/WLAN network-related devices to ensure high availability and optimal performance.
• Managed the company's telephone system and other communication devices, ensuring uninterrupted service and high performance.
• Administered and maintained WAN and internet connections, guaranteeing high availability for seamless business continuity.
• Maintained documentation and inventory of all network and communication equipment to uphold professional service standards.
• Managed all user access requests and rights on the network, providing support to enforce security policies and standards.
• Served as the primary contact for all network and communication-related requests, ensuring prompt and effective resolutions
• Managed network security software added new users, and managed privileges to enforce security policies as per standards.

SEPT 2017 - JUN 2019 THE COVE ROTANA RESORT: RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE- Communication and Network Administrator
MAY 2014 - SEPT 2017 HILI RAYHAAN ROTANA, AL AIN, UAE - IT Supervisor
MAR 2012 - FEB 2014 PIH SERVICES ME LTD (CRC -EVANS INSPECTION GROUP): DUBAI, UAE - IT Engineer
JAN 2011 - FEB 2012 CHEMMANUR INTERNATIONAL JEWLERS: CALICUT, KERALA, INDIA - IT Support
MAY 2010 - JAN 2011 ASCOT COMPUTERS: KODUNGALLUR, KERALA, INDIA - IT Support Trainee

EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
2008 GOVERNMENT OF KERALA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION - Computer Science and Engineering

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
2025 - Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate | Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert | Microsoft Certified:
Azure Administrator Associate | | 2024 - AWS Certified Developer - Associate - Amazon Web Services Training and Certification | 2023 - IT
Information Library 4 Foundations Certification (ITIL) - Axelos Global Best Practice | 2011 - Cisco Certified Network Associate - Cisco | 2008 -
Microsoft Certified System Administrator - Microsoft | Microsoft Active Directory in Windows Server 2008,2012 R2,2016
Languages: English, Malayalam, and Hindi Other: Valid UAE Driving Licence
REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST